Rules for a Staring Contest
A staring contest is a true test of one's mental capacity and concentration. It requires two individuals to stare into each other's eyes for as long as possible until one of them flinches, blinks, laughs, ducks, cries, balks, screams or faints. The staring contest has gained popularity in recent years thanks to television personalities like Conan O'Brien and the mockumentary, "Unflinching Triumph." There are many rules that must be enforced during a staring contest.
Making Faces
Making faces is typically not allowed in staring contests but it is possible for some variations on this rule to exist. As long as eye contact is not broken some may allow for faces to be made.
Smiling
Smiling is typically a sign of the way one "taps-out" of a staring contest. In order to win you must remain locked in an emotionless, robotic stare. Iciness is key.
Blinking
Blinking is forbidden in staring contests and will result in a loss. Eyes must remain open, frozen and unmoved. Your eyes may burn, tear or dry but it is important to fight through the discomfort.
Touching
No touching is allowed. It is unfair to manipulate a rival's body in order to break his or her gaze. If you touch your opponent, you will be disqualified.
Frowning
Frowning is another rule that may or may not be in effect depending on the agreements made between competitors prior to the contest.
"Unflinching Triumph"
"Unflinching Triumph: The Philip Rockhammer Stroy" is a 2007 mockumentary directed by Mark Decena about a man's journey to conquer the underground world of professional staredown. The DVD is available for sale at:
unflinchingtriumph.com
The National Association of Staredown Professionals
The National Association of Staredown Professionals (NASP) is a fictional organization that is featured in "Unfliching Triumph." It released a 15-page manual on the rules of a professional staring contest. According to CBS Sports' Clay Travis, some of them are: games must take place on a hardwood floor, shoes are required, sneezing and coughing is forbidden and steroids are banned.
Animals
Some truly brave "starers" may challenge the family dog or cat to a staring contest. This is a true test of one's staring ability as animals are much more challenging opponents than humans. Wisegeek.com says, "Animals probably do not have the same psychological issues with maintaining eye contact that humans do, such as feeling vulnerable, emotionally exposed or embarrassed."
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